Rope style and size for general tree work (hobby, firewood)

[A10egress]

Hello, I am looking to get 2 ropes for doing hobby tree work, mainly for pruning actions and firewood cutting. This is not going to be for hard core rigging but rather general tree falling, trimming, ect. Nothing from Bucket Trucks, High lifts.. or even high climbing. This would be for PA hardwoods, but nothing big. Like i said, more for the hobby side, tinkering around, learning the trade a little.

I was looking to get 100ft of Samson pro-master 1/2 rigging rope or maybe 5/8. For smaller stuff i was going to get some 50 feet Yale XTC 1/2 for general rope use on the smaller things.

A separate rope will be for learning to climb, knot tying, ect.

thoughts?

 

[Nemus Talea]

Are ya talking pull line? 150' of 5/8 pro master would be good. Learn and tie an eye splice in one end,.. handy.

Remember, you need to go up high enough to pull a proper angle and any redirection with a block will require more length. 100' would leave you always wanting more rope. Short rope kills ground workers pulling by hand, standing in the trees lay.

As a lowering line, big limitation. 50' up, 50' down and nothing extra to add mechanical advantage, friction wraps (old school), ground run to machine and groundie may have to step under piece in the hole.

If you dont climb already, a throw line can set pull line from ground. Makes quick work of snarled stupid stuff and gets em to the ground.

 

[bootboy]

A piece of 1/2" or 5/8" hard lay 3 strand like Samson's tree master or pro master is a very economical choice. It's also very durable as far as handling abrasive conditions. If you're just using it for pulling stuff over and not any fancy or negative rigging, it's a good choice.

 

[Nemus Talea]

I like / hate tree master. Strong, durable, as ya said. Short hunk works great to reinforce flimsy stem for block. My 5/8's was stiff as cable new. Hands ache just thinking bout the afternoon I spliced thimbles and snaps in the ends for a double end lanyard. Terrible to tie quick knots.
Tough as nails though.

 

[Nemus Talea]

OP: I have some old XTC 12 strand. Its OK but I think arborplex picks a little less and is a bit cheaper in most places. Again, 50 feet will prevent its use in many cases. Not great with abrasion but good hand, light, and cheap enough.

Make sure your ground help knows how to pull safely. Stay outside rigging, dont wrap rope around hands or body, clear understanding of voice, whistle or hand signals, and keep non working running line in front of them away from their feet.

 

[A10egress]

thanks for the replies! L